Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base
Summary
Operating Country | 🇺🇸 United States |
Location | 🇺🇸 United States |
Status | ◉ Active |
Usage | Dual |
Year built | 1911 |
Operating Organization | US Air National Guard |
Units |
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Description
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is a joint civil-military international airport located approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) west of Downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. The airport opened in 1911 on Basque Flats, initially serving for training and aerobatic flights. In 1920, the United States Postal Service began air mail service, leading to the city's acquisition of land and the establishment of Woodward Field. It was renamed Salt Lake City Municipal Airport in 1930 and became Salt Lake City International Airport in 1968. During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces established a base at the airport. Western Airlines developed a hub in 1982, which was maintained by Delta Air Lines after their merger in 1987.
The airport covers 7,700 acres (3,116 ha) and features four runways. It is owned by the City of Salt Lake City and administered by its municipal Department of Airports. SLC serves as a hub for Delta Air Lines and is a major gateway to the Intermountain West and West Coast. In 2024, it served over 28.3 million passengers. The airport underwent a significant redevelopment program, with Phase 1 of a new terminal complex opening in 2020, and subsequent phases continuing through 2024 and planned into 2026, including new concourses, tunnels, and amenities. Military operations are conducted by the Utah Air National Guard, which operates the Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base on the east side of the airport. The host unit at this base is the 151st Wing (151 WG), an Air Mobility Command-gained unit operating the KC-135R Stratotanker.